Many people assume they don’t need pest remediation if they don’t catch any creepy crawlers on their property. While this conclusion is based on logic, it’s not accurate. Lots of insects and creatures can find their way inside of your Austin home or business without your knowledge. If it happens to be a species that procreates with the speed of light, you could have a major disaster on your hands one day. This is often the situation with termites.
Termites in Austin are pervasive insects that consume wood. That said, it’s not a shocker that they generate $5 billion worth of prevention and recovery bills in the United States each year. What’s even worse is that insurance companies rarely bail folks out for this. Termite swarmers are a warning signal, so it would be wise to learn about them and how Roberts Termite & Pest Control can be of assistance.
What Are Termite Swarmers? What Are the Dangers of Termites?
Unfortunately, it’s always termite season. Every species has its peak period, so there’s no point in the year where these bugs are inactive. A few that dominate in this area are busy in the spring. Swarmers are essential to the growth of a colony, as they forge nests and are responsible for reproduction. They are ½ of an inch long. Their brown, black, or yellow bodies have wings attached. You might spot them by fixtures and windows because they are very drawn to light. White or grayish-white workers that are 0.12 of an inch long settle in soil and walls. Soldiers with chunky mandibles and rectangular heads protect them. Given that swarmers fly and are the only ones that can be seen, they’re confirmation of an infestation. Other signs are:
Coming across the discarded wings of swarmers; they’re translucent and scaly
Finding swells of fecal frass near the mud tubes, maze patterns, and holes of termites
Foundations that sound hollow
Hearing soft noises from behind walls
Having paint that is peeling, bubbling, or looking frothy
Noticing that drywall is off-color and slouching
Loosening tiles
Floorboards giving way
Window frames and doors being tight-fitting
It seems as if termites don’t have many positive qualities, but they do. Their activities with dead wood contribute to the environment. It allows the soil to be replenished with necessary nutrients. Subsequently, plants and trees can flourish as they should. Home and business owners who see the ugly side of these pests won’t be comforted by this fact though. Many have been forced to give up their domiciles or establishments, being displaced for a long time. In the midst of this, resources and money are lost. The bases and walls of a structure can deteriorate under a termite takeover, possibly causing injuries. Diseases won’t be transmitted, but allergic reactions may occur.
How Can You Prevent Termites?
Perform these tasks to keep termites away:
Fix or get rid of rotten or damaged wood.
Repair moisture faults immediately; especially those wetting wood.
Seal gaps in foundations, caulk, and utility lines.
Add screens to exterior vents.
Clean vents and gutters often.
Never let loose wood touch soil.
Distance plants and wood stacks from the property.
Trim grass and greenery frequently.
What Can Roberts Termite & Pest Control Do About Termites?
Our name, Roberts Termite & Pest Control, says it all. We have specialized tools for eradicating termite colonies. Our expert technicians will apply Sentricon® System with Always Active™, Termidor®, and/or Borate treatments with Bora-Care®. Termatrac monitoring systems may also be installed. All of these industrial-grade solutions are safe. Pre-construction options and Wood-Destroying Organism reports for real estate are available. Call us today at Roberts Termite & Pest Control and schedule a free estimate!